Bach pleased with diversity in Jamaican sport | Sports
west office:
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach admitted he is impressed by the expansion of Jamaican sport beyond athletics, which he says can only increase his standing in the Olympic movement.
Bach, who was speaking at the Montego Bay Convention Center in Rosehall yesterday, is visiting Jamaica for the weekend along with an eight-strong delegation.
They are expected to hold discussions with the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and its member federations on how to strengthen Jamaica’s standing within the Olympic movement and the relationship between the two bodies.
“We all know the power of sport in Jamaica. It’s mostly about athletics, but what we’re seeing is that the scope is expanding. While athletics plays a significant role, we are seeing many hopeful athletes in other Olympic sports, which is very encouraging. We see the young athletes preparing for Paris (2024) and even Los Angeles (2028). We all appreciate their commitment to Olympic values and wish these athletes well,” said Bach.
Bach was satisfied after having the opportunity to see about 13 sports on display. The exhibition began with his own fencing, where he won gold at the 1980 Montreal Games. He also showed his skills in a small volleyball rally. His face lit up with enthusiasm as a group of gymnasts aged 10 and under produced a dancehall-like routine. The exhibition culminated in a fierce competition in 3×3 basketball between Herbert Morrison Technical High School and Jamaica College, and then boxing. Archery, weightlifting, e-sports, chess, floorball, judo, karate, sambo and taekwondo were also on display.
WELCOME
Bach was also impressed by the warm welcome he was given by the people in the place he called “paradise on earth”.
“This is what makes not just me, but the entire delegation feel truly at home as the Olympic community in our paradise on earth, Jamaica. We feel at home because we share the same Olympic values.
“The Jamaican athletes have overwhelmed us with so many outstanding performances over the years. For 2024, I wish all Jamaican athletes the very best.
“Paris will be special. For those who make it, I promise it will be an exciting Olympics, especially after the pandemic. It is a great celebration of humanity that we want to celebrate with the whole world. We want to celebrate that there is only one humanity, and the new Olympic motto where we want to get faster, aim higher and get stronger together in the athlete community with all 206 international Olympic committees.
This is Bach’s first official visit to Jamaica since taking office in 2013. He is leaving the island tonight.